Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration will take place without the traditional parade, in what many described as an unexpected decision by the Federal Government.
The parade, scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, has been cancelled, though other anniversary programmes will go ahead as planned.
The announcement was made on Monday in a statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
According to the statement, the cancellation should not be seen as diminishing the importance of the milestone celebration.
“The federal government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm,” it read.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the deployment of 4,500 personnel across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure safety during the celebrations.
Public Relations Officer Monica Ojobi explained that the order came from the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu.
She noted the deployment would cover key locations before, during, and after the anniversary.
“The deployment is in a bid to ensure security of lives and property as well as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in the FCT and its environs,” she stated.
The NSCDC said its specialised departments and units would take part in the operation, including the Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adakasu, and the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosives (CBRNE) team.
According to Ojobi, vulnerable areas like shopping malls, amusement parks, markets, motor parks, religious centres, and government buildings will see heavy security presence.
Undercover operatives have also been sent out for covert surveillance.
“Black spots like uncompleted buildings that harbour criminals are also covered to avert security breaches,” Ojobi added.
While expressing regret over any inconvenience caused by the parade cancellation, the government urged Nigerians to stand behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda.
“The federal government appreciates the understanding, support and cooperation of all Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests, and urges Nigerians to support the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in making Nigeria a greater nation,” the statement said.
Strange decision as it is a tradition. Hmmmm